Following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, YouTuber and influencer Dhruv Rathee has found himself at the center of controversy. Public outrage erupted after the incident, with many questioning Rathee’s silence on the issue.
Rathee addressed the criticism on social media, stating that he was deeply saddened by the incident and expressed his sympathy for the victim and all victims of sexual violence in India. He highlighted the alarming statistic of over 30,000 rape cases reported annually in the country.
He also clarified that his initial response, which included a short video on Instagram and a post on X (formerly Twitter), was intended to express his outrage and solidarity. However, he emphasized that his goal was not just to create noise but to understand and address the systemic issues that contribute to violence against women. Rathee acknowledged that a comprehensive video on the issue would require extensive research and analysis, hence the delay in releasing a more detailed response. He urged his followers to remain engaged with the issue and to demand an end to all forms of sexual violence.
Rathee’s initial response sparked further criticism when he mistakenly disclosed the victim’s name in a hashtag on X, leading to accusations that he was afraid of the West Bengal government. He later apologized for the error and clarified his stance, emphasizing the need to protect the identities of victims in such cases.
This incident has highlighted the complexities of navigating public discourse around sensitive issues like sexual violence, especially for public figures. Rathee’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of careful consideration and responsible engagement in addressing such sensitive topics.
